Many builders are constructing new single-family and multifamily residences with an eco-friendly approach, utilizing our greater understanding of the importance of sustainable day-to-day living and the ways in which developing homes with greener practices makes a major difference in our effect on the climate both today and tomorrow. However, for those with homes that were not built recently, and therefore likely weren’t constructed with the same level of attention to sustainability as newer homes tend to be, a green upgrade may be necessary. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can transform your home in the pursuit of better energy efficiency, ranging from the simple to the more involved. And an added bonus of making these changes? It will boost your home’s resale value down the line as more and more buyers are concerned with these types of property features. Read on for the top five ways to live greener.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Kicking off the list is the easiest and least costly change you can make to your home: switching to LED lightbulbs. ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than your standard bulb and last much longer. Save money (with LED bulbs leading to lower energy bills), reduce greenhouse gases, and replace your bulbs way less often. This change is a win all around and totally DIY.

Add Insulation

By adding insulation to spaces in your home like the attic or basement, you could save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs. Proper insulation leads to less use of cooling during warm summers and heating during cold winters. If you find that the temperature in your home significantly varies in each room, this could be a sign that it is under-insulated, which would not be surprising as 90 percent of U.S. homes are, according to a study from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

New Roof

If it's time to replace your roof, consider making the most out of this big renovation and getting your money’s worth with a more energy-efficient roof. When shopping around for a roofer, some good roof qualities to inquire about are: material, ventilation, color, and coating. Metal roofs are known to be very energy efficient and last longer than other materials. If you’re also considering solar panels, you’ll want to make sure that your new roof will be suitable for installation ahead of time.

Replace Heating/Cooling Systems

Like replacing your roof, replacing your heating and cooling systems can certainly be a costly upgrade. However, over time, your new system will save you money by lowering your monthly heating and cooling costs. Consider also installing a smart thermostat, allowing you to control your home’s system through your phone. Smart thermostats also allow for automatic temperature adjustment overnight, while you’re on vacation, etc.

Replace Windows/Doors

If your windows and doors are particularly old, it’s likely that they’re not one hundred percent sealed and could be leaking air. If you notice this, it may be time for replacements. However, if that’s not a cost you can, or want to, manage at the moment, even taking the less expensive and DIY route of sealing your windows yourself can make a big difference in keeping air from leaking out.

There are many ways we can reduce our carbon footprint, and advancements in how we understand energy usage and its impact on our environment make it easier than ever. Upgrades like the ones covered above require very little maintenance once they’re in place, meaning you will continue to reap their benefits without much work after they’ve been installed. Reach out to discuss more ways to make your home as energy-efficient as possible.